30 in 30: Can the Brooklyn Nets overcome its offseason dysfunction?

Ben Simmons and an altered ceiling

The offseason aside, if there’s one thing that the Nets can be genuinely excited about heading into this season, it’s Ben Simmons. He’s on track to be healthy and ready for the start of training camp and that will likely give this team an early-season jolt.

When he’s been healthy and engaged, Simmons has been consistently one of the better players in the league. And on both ends of the floor. He often gets thrown in a box because of his lack of 3-point shooting, but he does so much more on the offensive end of the floor in transition and as a playmaker to be labeled a bad offensive player.

And in the right system, the hope is that he can get back to that level.

Defensively, he has all the tools to be great. And he’s proven that at times throughout the first few years of his career. On a team where he doesn’t have to be the focal point, he will be set up for success on that end of the floor.

Simmons undoubtedly raises the ceiling for the Nets this season. But how much will depend on how he looks once he hits the floor. Despite all his upside, this is still a player that hasn’t played in a game in over a year.

On paper, the Nets should be considered a championship contender in the Eastern Conference. We’ll find out soon if they can translate that to actual on-the-court success.